head to head lightweights: GSX650F vs. 650R vs FZ6R

[Nodaclu]

Kawi 650 because it is the only competent middle weight (when did 650cc become lightweight?!?).

The other two are just mediocre UJMs wrapped up in sportbike plastic.

Which is exactly what I wanted, and I couldn't be happier. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

Most comfortable long distance bike out of the six I've had. I can pretty much echo everything Hickey said, so I won't repeat it, other then to say that I've had the bike up to 115 indicated with the bags on, and didn't even know they were there. That's what the extra weight gives you in stability.

[chimera]

(when did 650cc become lightweight?!?).

sport touring categories as I see it:

500-650: 650R, Versys, GSX, SV, etc. =  LIGHTWEIGHTS

750-1000: VFR, BMW F800, tiger, ST3, etc. = Middleweight

1000+ : FJR, Connie, BMW1200, etc. = heavy

Don't like it?  

[JamesG]

Your "light weight" catagory has bikes that outmass some of your "middle weight".

I think you should "reevaluate" your thinking.

[zuke scoot]

Your "light weight" catagory has bikes that outmass some of your "middle weight".

I think you should "reevaluate" your thinking.

Ok...whatever...technicalities...they are grouped by engine size and price.

[Cricket1]

I chose the 650F.


However, the 650R does not have a fuel gauge

The Ninja has a fuel gauge and a gear indicator for 2009. Plus a few other minor "tweaks". (not sure if I like the looks of the digital speedo tho)

[zuke scoot]

It does for 2009, and a gear indicator. (not sure if I like the looks of the digital speedo)

Which one are you talking about?

[Kiwi]

Which one are you talking about?

He's talking about the '09 650R.

[JamesG]

Ok...whatever...technicalities...they are grouped by engine size and price.

Back of the class with the both of you.  

There big differences between a twin cylinder (vee or parrallel) and a inline four cylinder engine.

[Hickey]

I really like what Kawasaki has done to the Ninja 650 for 2009.    Perhaps if that is how they had made the thing from the start, I would have chosen differently.  Maybe.  

[brianm767]

Can I do a write in?  out of the bikes you mentioned, I like the FZ , but I would go with my write in first, SV650S

[psyco1]

I'd go with the Versys over all of them, just for the riding postiton and front & rear adjustable suspension, but the Wee Strom and SV are both in the running for me.

[Zerosum]

I also voted for the 650R.  I love how light and narrow it is.

I didn't know about this FZ-6R.  That's cool.  I like the seating position of the FZ-6.  Never ridden one, though.

I've sat on a GSX650 and was appaled at how heavy it was.  The weight did not feel centered either, that wide inline-four motor really does things to the CoG that I don't like.

In general, I tend to gravitate toward twins.  I like the light weight and narrow CoG.  The only inline-4s that really interest me are the first-gen FZ-1, 919, Bandit 1250 and ZRX1200.

[Zerosum]

Can I do a write in?  out of the bikes you mentioned, I like the FZ , but I would go with my write in first, SV650S

Nice!  That's the SV650S that Suzuki should have built!

[mikeyman]

When I bought my used 06 Ninja 650r in early 07, the only other choice was really the SV650. I liked the ergos of the naked bike, but wanted a windscreen. My 06 Ninja has been great for the past 15k miles. I like the broad torque curve on the parallel twin and the fuel mileage is in the 50 range. Its light, tossable and looks good too.

The other two bikes really strike me a detuned versions of more focused designs. The ninja, while built to a low price point, was still a new design aimed at the target. I think today I would buy it agian.

[Lon]

GSX650F.

Biggest carry capacity = less stressed on tours.

[jonl]

Skip the cheapened "R" version, and the FZ6 would be a very credible touring alternative.  

I like the GSX in black, but the blue not so much.  The GSX should be offered with ABS, since the others in the family already do (DL, SV).

I like the Ninja, but in the showroom, found the ergos a bit cramped, and by all reports, the suspension could be better.  I would choose the Versys over the Ninja.

I am surprised the poll didn't include the most popular touring bike in the class, the DL650.  Mine is a 2006.

[JamesG]

?



 

[CheesyRider]

The Ninja has a fuel gauge and a gear indicator for 2009. Plus a few other minor "tweaks". (not sure if I like the looks of the digital speedo tho)

Are you sure the 2009 650R has a gear indicator?  In the specs under "instruments/controls" they list the following:

• New MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation, which includes a new fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer
• The new layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously
• Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image while the area around the instrument panel presents a clean, finished front cowl interior
• Redesigned handlebar holder and new curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the Ninja 650R’s improved appearance

It wouldn't suprise me if they missed putting it in their specs.  I've seen lots of typos and omissions in specs on manufacturer's websites over the years.  The Vento V-THUNDER XL has had "disco" brakes for at least a year. http://www.vento.com/

[Cricket1]

Are you sure the 2009 650R has a gear indicator?  

I am not totally sure, as I was relying on Phoenix Rider from a post in the KAWI section about it-"Of course, they did add a gear indicator- which all the little kids on the 650R forums were complaining about."

[BluStreak]

Great topic for someone getting back into the sport!  Hey, it's my impression that the 650F is new in '09.'  Were they made in previous years with the up bars?   :headscratch:My impression after reading all of the posts is that the real question would more apporpriately be the way you're going to use the bike most of the time.  Don't know about the FZ6R, but it would seem to me that for touring, the 650F would be the choice, maybe the 650R for more local commuting type of riding.  I'm amazed you didn't include the SV650's in your condsiderations......